French Studies

Major in French Studies (38 credits)

212, 311, 312; one literature course from 330, 331, or 332; one cultural studies course from 340 or 341; four additional courses numbered 320 and higher; and 399. All students are urged to study abroad at our French affiliate, the Collège International de Cannes. CSB/SJU Study Abroad Programs fulfill many Common Curriculum as well as major/minor requirements. No more than 4 credits of ILP coursework can be applied towards the French major.

Major in French/Secondary Education (38 credits)

Same requirements as for the major in French studies.

212, 311, 312; one literature course from 330, 331, or 332; one cultural studies course from 340 or 341; four additional courses numbered 320 and higher; and 399. All students are urged to study abroad at our French affiliate, the Collège International de Cannes. CSB/SJU Study Abroad Programs fulfill many Common Curriculum as well as major/minor requirements. No more than 4 credits of ILP coursework can be applied towards the French major.

Minor in French (20 credits)

Courses (FREN)

111 Introduction to the French Language. (4)An introduction to the basic elements of the French language. Work in all communicative skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing, with particular attention to grammar and pronunciation. Introduction to the geography and culture of the French-speaking world. Upon completion of this course, students are eligible for our study abroad program in Cannes.

112, 211 French Language and Culture I & II. (4, 4)Continued study of grammar together with the systematic development of all communicative skills. Further understanding of French culture, geography, and customs, enhanced by readings and video selections. Satisfactory completion of 211 fulfills the core foreign language requirement and prepares the student for 212 (HML).

212 First Readings in French Literature. (4)A beginning course in reading French literary texts from a variety of genres: prose fiction, poetry, and theater. The course offers the opportunity to discuss the works studied and to practice written analysis of the texts, with continued development of linguistic skills. 212 fulfills a Common Curriculum Humanities requirement (HM).

271 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)Supervised reading or research at the lower-division level. Permission of department chair required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

311 Studies in Language and Culture. (4)The content of this course focuses on the study of contemporary cultural topics in French-speaking countries: their geography, people, and customs. Readings might include the organization of the family, religion, art, and political thought. Students will integrate these topics with intensive study of the French language, grammar, and phonetics. Emphasis placed on conversational skills and oral expression.

312 Contemporary France. (4)The course explores topics of cultural developments in France today with continued emphasis on grammar, speaking and writing. Readings may include a variety of short stories, novels or poetry.

330 French Literature Before the Revolution. (4)France today remains very much a nation of readers, and French public education has clung to a traditional literary orientation. In this course students become familiar with some of the great books which gave rise to this literary culture. Readings are drawn from verse, drama, prose fiction, and belles lettres. Emphasis on fostering an appreciation of French literature, understanding the works in their social and historical context, and learning the techniques of literary analysis. Prerequisite: 311 or 312.

331 French Literature from Monarchy to Republic. (4)This course focuses on the poetry, theatre, novels, short stories, and essays written during the period when France led the development of European democratic traditions. Emphasis on fostering an appreciation of French literature, understanding the works in their social and historical context, and learning the techniques of literary analysis. Prerequisite: 311 or 312.

332 Twentieth-Century French Literature. (4)No longer exclusively European in outlook, literature in French is written and read throughout the world. The poems, plays, and prose works chosen date from the beginnings of the French democracy and the expansion of its colonial empire to the contemporary francophone world. Emphasis on fostering an appreciation of French literature, understanding the works in their social and historical context, and learning the techniques of literary analysis. Prerequisite: 311 or 312.

340 A Social History of the French People. (4)The political, social, economic, and educational institutions of the French people reveal their national character. In this course we study the history of French society, from the origins of France in medieval Europe to the present day, in order to understand how the societal structures have developed. Prerequisite: 311 or 312.

341 The French-Speaking World Today. (4)Moving from colonialism to independence, from repression to active global participation, the francophone world is in full evolution. This course opens doors to the variety of cultures that have been influenced by French and Belgian societies, from the Far East to Africa, Canada, and the Pacific and Caribbean Islands. We also study the changes in European cultures which have arisen in part due to their past colonialism. Prerequisite: 311 or 312.

350 Studies in Language and Style. (4)This course aims at helping students strengthen and polish their written French through a variety of short papers, regularly evaluated and revised. Other exercises include explication of the prose style of major French authors, translation, and grammar review as needed. Prerequisites: 312 and at least one 4-credit literature course.

351 Topics in Literature. (4)An in-depth study of a particular literary movement, author, or theme. Recent offerings have included: Classicism and Romanticism, the Nineteenth-Century Novel, French Women Writers. The precise subject to be studied will be announced prior to registration. Prerequisite: 311 or 312.

352 Topics in Civilization. (4)A study of a particular social movement, issue, or debate as reflected in the documents, art, literature, and customs of French-speaking cultures. Recent offerings include: Literature and Society of the Middle Ages, French Philosophers, French Canada, Paris Revolutions. The precise subject to be studied will be announced prior to registration. Prerequisite: 311 or 312.

354 Studies in French Language. (2)A study of a specific aspect of French language. Topics might include French Cinema and Conversation. Upgrade your French, French Phonetics, and Language Basics of French for Business. Offered every fall semester. Course may be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: 311 or 312 or permission of instructor.

355 Studies in French/Francophone Culture. (2)A study of a particular cultural theme, or authors. Topic varies each semester. Topics might include The Regions of France, French Song, French Cinema (beginnings or a particular cinematographic movement), the culture or literature of a particular Francophone region, the study of a single author or a pair of authors. Offered every spring semester. Course may be repeated for credit with different topics. Prerequisite: 311 or 312 or permission of instructor.

371 Individual Learning Project. (1-4)Supervised reading or research at the upper-division level. Permission of department chair and completion and/or concurrent registration of 12 credits within the department required. Consult department for applicability towards major requirements. Not available to first-year students.

398 Honors Senior Essay, Research, or Creative Project. (4)Required for graduation with "Distinction in French." Prerequisite: HONR 396 and approval of the department chair and director of the Honors Thesis program. For further information see HONR 398.

399 Senior Project. (2)All majors must present a senior project in a public forum. In consultation with a faculty advisor students choose a project appropriate to their previous course of study and/or their individual goals.